AmpThink's custom high-density Wi-Fi networks amp up user experience in the highest profile, most complex venues in the world.

Experts in Wi-Fi network design, construction & management

AmpThink is an elite team of mobility professionals with deep experience in designing, building and operating HD Wi-Fi networks in large-scale, public spaces. Our longstanding clients include international wireless carriers, multi-billion-dollar equipment manufacturers, global stadium operations companies, major retail brands and warehousing operations, and dozens of professional and college sports teams.

Solutions

Consulting

Construction

Products

Network Operations

Monetization

The Navy Seals of stadium Wi-Fi, our consulting practice boasts the most battle-tested group of independent Wi-Fi specialists operating in North America today. Our clients trust us with their most complex jobs. AmpThink consultants are trusted advisors to professional sports leagues, professional sports teams and many major universities as well. We believe an educated client is an empowered client. The more you know the better decisions you can make, and the more successful your Wi-Fi initiatives can be.

Thanks to our unique capabilities and expertise, AmpThink’s construction practice is winning new business at a rapid clip. Over the past few years alone, AmpThink has provided construction services on more stadium and arena Wi-Fi projects than any other firm. With every project, we learn even more about how teams and venue operators think. We’ve come to understand their special needs, and we’ve found ways to add significant value, whether we’re overseeing the entire network installation or just a portion of a larger job. The key to construction success is leadership. All construction jobs require contractors, but contractors without experienced leadership can lead to trouble. Every AmpThink construction project is supervised by one of our highly trained Radio Frequency Advocates. AmpThink RF Advocates are overseeing network construction and providing ongoing managed services for many of the most innovative and highly visible venues in sports today.

Our construction services are distinguished by: A comprehensive documentation package that includes precise architectural drawings from our in-house CAD team as well as proprietary kitting and logistics processes (and software) that eliminate complexity on site, increase efficiency and reduce possibility for human error. Bottom line, we strive continually to cut out waste and eliminate errors at every turn, which means your projects will be delivered on time and within budget.

When it comes to network hardware, AmpThink partners with the best brands in the business. AmpThink is one of only three Cisco Connected Stadium partners worldwide, and one of three Aruba global LPV partners as well. In addition to representing top hardware brands, AmpThink is constantly inventing new products to lower costs, optimize performance and extend the life of Wi-Fi networks. AmpThink proprietary products are used in the projects we build, and sold directly to a growing list of customers including venue operators, network design firms and installation contractors.

AmpThink manufactured products include: Copper cable, fiber optic cable, and custom enclosures. Our fiber optic cabling is spooled, terminated, tested and certified in house so it can be priced right and ensure guaranteed connection points. Our enclosures include hand rail and under seat products, custom engineered to locate APs as close to fans as possible, in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive to the experience.

AmpThink is developing a powerful remote operations system that allows us to support client networks and provide managed services without setting foot on premise. Our network operations center and help desk can monitor signal strength and pinpoint APs, beacons, switches and even cables that are weak or failing. Beyond managed services, AmpThink can also provide full service network operations for clients who want it. AmpThink’s full service network operators can take a huge burden off venue IT staff, easing workload, reducing IT complexity, and continuously optimizing network performance.

AmpThink Wi-Fi networks provide reliable and scalable connectivity inside sports stadiums, which enhances fan experiences and improves fan loyalty. But AmpThink’s job doesn’t stop once fans are connected to the network. Working closely with our sports team partners, we are developing software and services that help teams generate incremental sponsorship, ticket, concessions and merchandise revenue through mobile fan engagement.

Consulting

The Navy Seals of stadium Wi-Fi, our consulting practice boasts the most battle-tested group of independent Wi-Fi specialists operating in North America today. Our clients trust us with their most complex jobs. AmpThink consultants are trusted advisors to professional sports leagues, professional sports teams and many major universities as well. We believe an educated client is an empowered client. The more you know the better decisions you can make, and the more successful your Wi-Fi initiatives can be.

Thanks to our unique capabilities and expertise, AmpThink’s construction practice is winning new business at a rapid clip. Over the past few years alone, AmpThink has provided construction services on more stadium and arena Wi-Fi projects than any other firm. With every project, we learn even more about how teams and venue operators think. We’ve come to understand their special needs, and we’ve found ways to add significant value, whether we’re overseeing the entire network installation or just a portion of a larger job. The key to construction success is leadership. All construction jobs require contractors, but contractors without experienced leadership can lead to trouble. Every AmpThink construction project is supervised by one of our highly trained Radio Frequency Advocates. AmpThink RF Advocates are overseeing network construction and providing ongoing managed services for many of the most innovative and highly visible venues in sports today.

Our construction services are distinguished by: A comprehensive documentation package that includes precise architectural drawings from our in-house CAD team as well as proprietary kitting and logistics processes (and software) that eliminate complexity on site, increase efficiency and reduce possibility for human error. Bottom line, we strive continually to cut out waste and eliminate errors at every turn, which means your projects will be delivered on time and within budget.

Products

When it comes to network hardware, AmpThink partners with the best brands in the business. AmpThink is one of only three Cisco Connected Stadium partners worldwide, and one of three Aruba global LPV partners as well. In addition to representing top hardware brands, AmpThink is constantly inventing new products to lower costs, optimize performance and extend the life of Wi-Fi networks. AmpThink proprietary products are used in the projects we build, and sold directly to a growing list of customers including venue operators, network design firms and installation contractors.

AmpThink manufactured products include: Copper cable, fiber optic cable, and custom enclosures. Our fiber optic cabling is spooled, terminated, tested and certified in house so it can be priced right and ensure guaranteed connection points. Our enclosures include hand rail and under seat products, custom engineered to locate APs as close to fans as possible, in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive to the experience.

AmpThink is developing a powerful remote operations system that allows us to support client networks and provide managed services without setting foot on premise. Our network operations center and help desk can monitor signal strength and pinpoint APs, beacons, switches and even cables that are weak or failing. Beyond managed services, AmpThink can also provide full service network operations for clients who want it. AmpThink’s full service network operators can take a huge burden off venue IT staff, easing workload, reducing IT complexity, and continuously optimizing network performance.

Monetization

AmpThink Wi-Fi networks provide reliable and scalable connectivity inside sports stadiums, which enhances fan experiences and improves fan loyalty. But AmpThink’s job doesn’t stop once fans are connected to the network. Working closely with our sports team partners, we are developing software and services that help teams generate incremental sponsorship, ticket, concessions and merchandise revenue through mobile fan engagement.

Projects

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Sports & Enternainment Venues

0+

Pro U.S. Sports Stadiums & Arenas

0

International Sports Venues

0

D1 College Sports Stadiums & Arenas

138+

Warehouse Projects Since 2011

1336+

Retail Store Projects Completed

100M+

Sq. Ft of Space Covered in Wi-Fi

86k+

Physical Assets Deployed

2M+

Ft. of Cable Mfg in AmpThink Facility

Press

July 15th, 2016

New Panthers Wi-Fi “go live” on schedule for Champions Cup Soccer

Garland, TX – Bank of America Stadium, home of the Super Bowl runner-up Carolina Panthers, will unveil a souped-up Wi-Fi network on July 30 when Champions Cup Soccer tournament comes to Charlotte. The new Wi-Fi network will provide fans with best in class high speed connectivity throughout the stadium.

“The Panthers strive to be the best team on the field, and we want to have the best fan-facing technology as well, which is why we partnered with AmpThink” says Panthers director of information technology, James Hammond. “AmpThink has an impressive track record of success in venues across North America, and its approach to network design, construction, management and monetization is unique, something no other potential partner could offer.”

AmpThink’s design approach has been honed through completion of over 50 HD Wi-Fi projects in recent years. This volume of projects has yielded network data that has informed AmpThink’s approach and lead the company to promote a proximate network strategy, which puts wireless access points as close to the fans as possible.

“Proximity is a key to great network performance” says Bill Anderson, President of AmpThink. “At Bank of America Stadium we are placing 65% of the access points under-seat as this was the best way to get Wi-Fi access closest to the fans in this particular venue.”

Installing under seat access points required AmpThink to execute and weatherproof hundreds of core / concrete penetrations. Throughout the process AmpThink worked closely with stadium facilities personnel and project architects to prove it could execute the work without causing unnecessary maintenance, aesthetic or fan experience headaches.

AmpThink also supplied over 900 custom enclosures for this project. These enclosures are used both under-seat and on concourses. AmpThink enclosures are RF optimized to allow maximum signal propagation, water tight to withstand power washing, sturdily built to hold up under fan foot traffic and carefully crafted to blend into stadium aesthetics.

The network was built using Aruba hardware that offered access points specifically designed for stadium use and concourse access points with integrated BLE beacons to enable new fan engagement opportunities.

In total the network employed 268,000 feet of CAT 6 copper cable, 1217 wireless access points, and 44 IDFs. From start to finish the new network will have taken just six months to complete. The European soccer tournament will be the network’s first real-life test, giving the Panthers a convenient soft launch before the NFL season begins.

July 14th, 2016

Chip Foley joins AmpThink to lead tech strategy

GARLAND, TX – AmpThink announced today that Chip Foley has joined the company to lead the organization’s growth and oversee its expansion into new areas of technology. Mr. Foley will be based in New York City.

“We specialize in building large, complex wireless networks for distribution centers, entertainment venues, commercial properties, and stadiums” said Bill Anderson, President of AmpThink. “As wireless technology has transitioned from convenience to mission critical, our clients have come to depend on AmpThink for guidance and service in a range of complimentary and supporting technologies beyond Wi-Fi.”

“Chip Foley has vast experience designing, building and integrating technology systems in large and complex facilities. His product knowledge, professional network, and his passion for innovation make him a great fit to lead our our technology and growth strategies.”

“AmpThink is the clear leader in HD Wi-Fi and well positioned to do so much more,” said Foley. “AmpThink’s combination of skills in network design, construction, software development and data management are unique and highly valuable. I’m thrilled to be joining a team that has such great people, clear momentum and huge potential.”

Prior to Venue Innovation Group, Mr. Foley was the Vice President of Building Technology for Forest City Ratner Companies and Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the home of the Brooklyn Nets. He oversaw Barclays Center’s technology design and implementation of the converged network, earning the venue a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced sports and entertainment arenas in the world. Technology features at Barclays Center include Cisco’s Connected Sports and Entertainment solutions, which support the nearly 8,000 square feet of LED, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a three-story tall HD scoreboard, and 700 HD displays. Foley also oversaw the installation of the Distributed Antenna System (DAS) that supports four wireless carriers and the development of the Barclays Center mobile app.

May 10th, 2016

Mall of America® partners with AmpThink to deliver high density Wi-Fi inside the nation’s largest mall

Garland, TX – When Mall of America decided it was time to offer free Wi-Fi for its 40 million annual guests, it turned to AmpThink to design, build and manage the high density wireless network.

“AmpThink has been a key partner in facilitating the connected experience for our guests at Mall of America”, said Jill Renslow, SVP of Marketing and Business Development at Mall of America. “Their industry experience and relationships were instrumental for our Wi-Fi installation, and we look forward to additional growth in innovation and a continued partnership with their team.”

The new Wi-Fi network has proven very popular with Mall guests. To date the network has supported 319,995 unique users and 793,750 total wireless sessions while handling more than 486 terabytes of data traffic. This volume of traffic exceeds the total amount of the last 5 Super Bowls, combined. Guests that use Wi-Fi are lingering 3.5 hours per Mall visit.

The Mall of America footprint covers 5.6 million square feet. Its Wi-Fi network required more than 600 access points, 236,600 feet of CAT6 cable, and 7,920 feet of fiber optic cable to build.

“The Wi-Fi network we built for the Mall is not just big, but complex,” says Bill Anderson, President of AmpThink. “Our Radio Frequency engineers were challenged to develop new methods to calibrate frequencies in order to optimize performance for shoppers as they move in a massive space that has four distinct shopping levels and a large administrative level.”

The AmpThink designed network is running on Cisco hardware. Cisco Connected Mobile Experiences (CMX) enabled the Mall to use location data for customer engagement and analytic insights. In addition, AmpThink also deployed Cisco’s Stadium Vision solution inside the Mall. Stadium Vision is an innovative video and digital content distribution solution that allows the Mall to centrally manage and target delivery of customized video, sponsor promotions, and relevant event information to any combination of monitors throughout the Mall.

Creating a high performance wireless network inside an historic football stadium presents design and construction challenges that few Wi-Fi integrators can overcome. When the Wisconsin upgraded Camp Randall, it tapped AmpThink. Our RF engineers not only solved the design challenges, we also deployed our fan portal system, which provides a fan gateway onto the internet. The AmpThink portal helps streamline the fan experience. It allows the University to capture fan data and creates new sponsorship opportunities as well.Read more at Mobile Sports Report –

April 25th, 2016

AmpThink design enables Texas A & M to build the best Wi-Fi network

With a technology vision as big as the state of Texas and budgets to match, Texas A&M accomplished its goal of creating the best Wi-Fi in the land last season at Kyle Field. But without AmpThink, a little-known Wi-Fi integrator in Garland, TX, the network may not have reached its goals. Read more at Mobile Sports Report

When the Carolina Panthers take the field next season at Bank of America Stadium, team fans will be enjoying a new and improved Wi-Fi experience thanks to AmpThink. The Panthers engaged AmpThink to re-design and re-build a wireless network that had been underperforming fan expectations. The new network will launch in early summer, and will face its first live action during an International Champions Cup soccer match in July, a month before the Panthers pre-season begins.

GARLAND, TX – AmpThink announced today that Pat Coyle has joined the company to lead company marketing and head up its sports, entertainment and retail business solutions practices.

“Now that AmpThink is established as an elite designer, builder and operator of complex Wi-Fi networks, our clients are asking for Wi-Fi business solutions as well,” said Bill Anderson, President of AmpThink.

“Pat Coyle is a proven innovator in database marketing, mobile product development and revenue generation. His passion for improving fan experiences and helping clients generate ROI make him a great fit to lead our Wi-Fi business solutions and services practices.”

“AmpThink is ahead of the pack in its ability to build complex networks,” said Coyle. “I’m looking forward to piggybacking on our powerful Wi-Fi platforms to build software solutions and to provide consulting services that help our clients deliver better fan experiences, yield valuable analytics and drive location-based marketing initiatives.”

Coyle joins AmpThink from InStadium, Inc. where he was senior vice president of marketing and audience platforms. Prior to that Coyle spent five years running Coyle Media where he guided his sports property clients to profitability in the digital space, and bridged the gap between Madison Avenue and Silicon Valley with his Sports 2.0 Conference series. Coyle also spent eight seasons running marketing and digital media for the Indianapolis Colts.

December 23th, 2015

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